Limit use of ethylene gas to experienced workers only, warns Cal/OSHA

SAN FRANCISCO --The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued an alert informing employers on steps to prevent injury or death from the use of ethylene gas in the produce-ripening industry. Ethylene gas is used to ripen fruit such as apples, bananas and berries.

In a recent accident at Pan American Banana Company in Los Angeles, one employee was fatally injured and another critically injured by an explosion that occurred inside a tightly enclosed room where ethylene gas was being used to ripen fruit. Five other employees were injured in the blast.

"We know that loss of life can be prevented if employers take appropriate safety precautions," said Division Chief John Howard.

The following precautions should be followed:

Only experienced workers should be permitted to use ethylene gas ripening
equipment. Inexperienced workers involved in the process should work only
under the direct supervision of experienced personnel.

Use ethylene gas and related equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions
and applicable Title 8 safety orders-such as Section 5194, Hazard Communication,
or Section 5189, Process Safety Management. Title 8 of the California Code
of Regulations covers all of the Cal/OSHA workplace safety and health requirements.

Train employees to recognize and report unsafe conditions in their immediate
work environment.

Electrically ground all equipment when using ethylene gas.

Keep ethylene gas away from flames, sparks or other sources of ignition.